Brief
SpaceX Starship reaches orbit on first attempt, deploys 26 Starlink satellites
The mission ended after less than three hours when controllers halted further burns over engine concerns.
By Felo News Desk · Published
SpaceX’s Starship succeeded in reaching orbit on Monday, September 30, 2026, after a launch from Starbase, Texas, according to gizmodo.com. The megarocket carried 26 Starlink V3 satellites, which were released into space before the flight was terminated early.
Two and a half minutes after liftoff, the Super Heavy booster separated and splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico. Starship performed an initial engine burn, but one of its Raptor 3 engines shut down, prompting a pause while flight controllers deliberated. After a brief hold, the vehicle reignited a sea‑level Raptor and entered orbit, prompting cheers at mission control.
The test, designated Flight 14, was planned to last about ten hours with multiple orbits, but controllers ended the mission after less than three hours, citing “an abundance of caution” over the engine anomaly. Starship splashed down in the northern Pacific. Dan Huot, SpaceX communications manager, described the tense decision‑making process during the burn.
Key facts
- Starship reached orbit on September 30, 2026 (gizmodo.com)
- The vehicle deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites (gizmodo.com)
- Mission ended after under three hours due to an engine issue (gizmodo.com)
Sources
- [1] gizmodo.com — originally reported as “Starship Has Finally Gone Orbital. Now Comes the Hard Part”
